Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Lorraine

April 20, 2020
This was a day like all the days before, soft breezes tugging at my skirt, birdsong in the trees overhead. Green leaves showing up on every bush in town. Shoots of pale white/green plants emerging from the ground.  

It was a day like one I'd never seen before. The school grounds empty. Yellow school buses parked in the garage. Children learning at home. Moms and dads, grandparents, teachers.... everyone struggling with feelings of unbelief. This is a dream, right? 

More like a nightmare. We'll all wake up soon, don't be afraid, this too shall pass. Words of encouragement expressed everywhere we go. Keep a stiff upper lip. We'll get through this. 

Covid was the word on every tongue. Fear of the unknown. A world turned upside down. 

The van I drove that day was loaded with boxes of food for students. Here is the schedule I went by. Instead of driving school bus every afternoon Monday and Wednesday each week I met two other van drivers at the bus garage. From there I followed the van in front of me to the high school. Large carts loaded with boxes lumbered out of a side door. Smiling cooks pushed the carts close to the vans. With lists in hand each of us matched the names written with magic markers on the sides of the boxes with the names on paper.

My route was in town, about fifteen stops in all. Just put the box on the step, knock on the door and walk away - these were the instructions we were given. 

That's what I was doing on that beautiful day fourteen months ago. On this day of sunshine and warm breezes neighbors walked together on their streets. Children bounced balls or glided by on rollerblades. Dogs of every size tugged at the end of their leashes as the humans holding the leash strolled in the warm sunshine. 

My phone trilled a soft notice telling me I had a message. Before I drove to the next stop I checked my phone. There was a message from my sister saying Lorraine, my friend from long ago days, had just died.

How does the world keep going after news like that? The birds keep singing, the lawn mowers keep circling around the lawn, those people pushing them or driving them unaware of anything unusual. 

I accidentally touched the screen on my phone and a blue thumbs up symbol clicked my response. I frantically typed, "Sorry, I didn't mean to send that. This news is unbelievable! I am in tears."

Lorraine - with those blue eyes and curly blond hair - wide smile and bubbly laugh, gone from this life?!  The curtain between this life and eternity was pulled aside and she stepped through the door. I was in shock.

I still remember when she told my sisters and me, "Lorraine is my middle name." We were probably rattling off our middle names - short one syllable names - Kaye, Joy, Lee and Layne. "What's your middle name, Lorraine?"
Her answer startled us and intrigued us. We had never heard of such a thing. We actually didn't believe her at first and thought she was pulling our legs. 

It turns out she was named after her lovely Grandmother, Anna. Her parents wanted her to have her Grandma's name, but also have her own name. Anna Lorraine. It makes perfect sense. "But why didn't they name you Lorraine Anna?" we asked. Again it makes perfect sense. Anna Lorraine flows smoothly. The other way around does not.

Ellis and I liked this so much that we followed along, naming our first daughter after her Grandma, but calling her by her own name. Florence Deanne. And for the same reason. Florence Deanne flows smoothly. Deanne Florence is too abrupt somehow.

This is a long, convoluted way to tell you that I am announcing another winner for Shari's book. Lorraine's daughter, Bethany Shirk, is the winner! Congratulations Bethany!

And now the drawing is officially closed.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings and memories of yesterday. 

One comforting thought that has helped me this winter is imagining that Lorraine, my friend from long ago days, is holding our little granddaughter, Pearl India, there behind that curtain. 

Sunday, June 27, 2021

we have a winner !

I grabbed this tin to put all your names in. 
All neatly folded. Held it high so neither Ellis or I could see inside. Ellis drew out a name and here it is!            Congratulations Elizabeth!
Before he picked out the name he asked,
"Are any of our children in this drawing?"  
I said, "Yes, Dea, Krysta, Liz and Chelsea." He wondered what we'd do if we picked one of our girls! That's exactly what happened through no fault of our own. Thank you for coming to my blog and enter- ing this drawing. I loved all the comments about your favorite flowers! You can preorder Shari's book from Amazon. 
Follow her blog: Confessions of a Woman Learning to Live 

Friday, June 18, 2021

Grief

        A new book written by Shari Zook
Full of stories that will speak to your heart       You can preorder this book on Amazon

 I don't know how many times I thought about writing a blog post this past winter, recording my journey through grief. We said "Good-bye" to our little granddaughter, Pearl India, before we got to say a proper "Hello."

Writing about it is like turning on a faucet. Even as I type these words tears are raining down my face. 

People would ask, "How are you doing?" My replies varied. "Some days are better than others." or "Still hanging in there." Now when I say, "It's going great!" does that mean I have forgotten? Obviously not. 

In the winter every afternoon I drove to the bus garage to drive bus. I stared out the window longing to see blue sky overhead. When blue sky peeked through the clouds I wept and talked to God. I remembered the verse about clouds being like dust curls at His feet. (Nahum 1:3) After all the students were safely home again I called out to God, asking Him all my questions. I still don't have any answers. 

In the meantime I saw that Shari Zook had a new book being published. There was a chance to sign up and be part of a launch team and get to read her new book. Of course this involved answering questions as we went through the chapters. I was in over my head, feeling very vulnerable many times. Out of my comfort zone - definitely!

What a sweet time this turned out to be.  First of all - reading a new book! Reading Shari's story, then as we worked through the book together, listening to other stories.  
 
Shari's story is told through the lense of Motherhood. I am convinced this book is for anyone who loves a good story - well written. Trust me, it is not just for moms.
One of the things I promised to do was write a  blog post to let you know about this book. 

The other thing is this. I will give away one of Shari's books. Leave a comment telling me your name and favorite flower and I will put your name in the drawing.
 (anyone in US and Canada)
Now through Saturday June 26, 2021


Here is the quote that caught my attention in                        my season of sorrow.